Kirk Douglas Award Goes to Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell, the actor, writer, producer, and comedy legend, has been chosen by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival to receive the 17th annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film, as announced on Wednesday morning.
Ferrell, currently promoting Josh Greenbaum‘s Will & Harper on Netflix, a documentary about a road trip with friend Harper Steele post-gender transition, will be celebrated on December 11th at a black-tie dinner at Santa Barbara’s Ritz-Carlton Bacara. The event is a fundraiser for SBIFF’s educational programs.
Ferrell is known for starring in hit comedies like Old School, Elf, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Step Brothers, The Other Guys, Get Hard, The Lego Movie, as well as writing and producing several of them.
Michael Douglas, son of Kirk and Oscar-winning actor, sent a message to Ferrell through SBIFF, praising his comedic talent. The Kirk Douglas Award recognizes lifelong contributions to cinema.
Past recipients of the Kirk Douglas Award include Ryan Gosling, Michelle Yeoh, Martin Scorsese, Hugh Jackman, Judi Dench, Warren Beatty, Jane Fonda, Jessica Lange, Forest Whitaker, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Quentin Tarantino, Ed Harris, John Travolta, and Michael Douglas.
The 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival is scheduled for February 4-15, 2025.